Welcome to Lesson 2! As we learned in Lesson 1, MWEEs are a unique approach to project-based learning that focuses on investigations into local environmental issues, leading to informed action through stewardship and/or civic engagement.
There are four Essential Elements that describe "what students do" and four Supporting Practices that describe "what teachers do." The essential elements and supporting practices build upon each other to create this comprehensive, student-centered learning experience. Throughout the MWEE, teachers provide structure, support, and encouragement as students use their curiosity and creativity to investigate and take action. MWEEs are appropriate for all grade levels with content and practices growing in complexity and sophistication across the grades—starting with teacher-guided investigations and progressing to student-led inquiry.
Watch this video for an introduction on these elements and practices. We’ll dig more into each in the coming pages.
In this graphic, the four essential elements are in the center and the supporting practices wrap around the outside.
Later in the Lesson 2 Reflection, you will share how you imagine being involved in these supporting practices and essential elements (in your current or future role) so keep that in the back of your mind as you work through this lesson.